Improvement in trays or show-boards



D. H. KLOTZ.

Trays or Show-Boards.

Patented Jan. 14, 1873.

um PHOTU-LIMOGMPHIL c. M xmeannss mow) DANIED H. KLOTZ, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

IMPROVEMENT IN TRAYS OR SHOW-BOARDS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 134,898, dated January .14, 1 873.

derstand, make, and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawing makin g part of this specification, in which- Figure 1 is a face view of the device embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a rear View of the inside thereof. Fig. 3 is a section in line a: m, Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a section in line y 3 Fig. 2. 1

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the several figures.

This invention relates to a tray for the display of jewelry, fancy-goods, samples, and articles of various kinds; and consists in springcatches arranged with a cushion or surface, so that the articles may be firmly held and neatly displayed, and the tray placed in any position or angle without permitting the articles to drop or fall off, the main portions of the catches being always concealed.

Referring to the drawing, A represents a frame, and B a plate or board which is fitted on the frame, and constitutes the cushion or face thereof. 0 represents a series of springcatches for holding on the cushion or face articles of jewelry, 850., to be displayed. These catches consist,'preferably, of pieces of wire, which are secured at one end to the rear of the board B, and extend along the same to openings to in the board, then are bent or turned at or about right angles, 1), and pass through the openings to the front of the board, where they are turned into hooks, c, which rest on the board and extend in the direction of either of the sides of the frame, or, in other words, longitudinally or transversely, vertically or horizontally, relative to the shape of the frame or location thereof. The main lengths or portions of the catches stand out sufficiently from the back to impart the necessary spring thereto for pressing the hooks 0 against the board and returning them to their normal positions. D represents a bracket hinged at d to the back of the frame. E is a brace hinged to the back at c, and sliding on the bracket D, so as to stay the latter when supporting the show-board in the position shown in Fig. 4:, or permit it to be folded flat against the back of the board when said board is to lie horizontally.

The operation is as follows: When it is d esired to affix an article to the tray it is slipped over the end of the hook c of the catch 0, said end being somewhat curved or bent to facilitate the application of the article. The pressure of the spring of the catch draws the article against the board, which acts as a stop for the catch and holds the article firmly thereon, so that it projects or stands directly or solidly out from the board without hanging or swinging or liability to displacement, and this result is accomplished whether the tray is laid on its sides, back, or suspended with its face downward.

It will be perceived that the hooks c are the only portion of the spring-catches that are visible, and the main portions thereof are on the back or rear ofthe face-a position which conceals and protects said portions, and presents a neat appearance on the face of the tray, which is especially desirable for jewelers and dealers in fine articles. The hooks will hold articles of various sizes and shapes, since the portions I) slide in the openings a and permit the hooks to be withdrawn to the full length of said portions and the hooks are readily applicable for stationary and travel ing purposes, since the main portions of the catches are not exposed, and, consequently, not liable tobe pressed from the rear, where: bythe articles will remain firmly in place at all times. The articles may be easily removed or displaced by simply drawing them from the hooks.

When the tray-board is arranged in the frame A a back-board may be applied to the latter to entirely cover the main portions of the catches,.and, if desired, a foot or stand attached to said back-board to support the tray in vertical positions. Again, if desired, notches a may be formed on the face of the board or tray, the same extending at right angles to the hooks 0, so that the latter will press the articles to be held into said notches and assist the operation ofholding the articles. This will be found useful where the face-board is constructed of hard material, such as porcelain and glass, and the velvet or other soft c'overin g is dispensed with.

Having thus'described my invention, What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. A tray having one or more spring-catches, 0, whose main portions are at the rear of the display-board or cushion B, and the holding portions or hooks 0 on the face thereof, and

adapted and operating substantially as "and for the purpose set forth. 2. The combination of the hinged bracket 1) E with a show-board constructed and operating as described.

The above signed byme this 12th day of December, 1872;

Witnesses: D. H. KLOTZ.

JOHN A. WIEDERSHEIM, MILLARD F. WALTON. 

